Introduction
MMA and UFC fans have long asked the question: what happened to Ben Askren? Known for his dominant wrestling skills, undefeated streak in Bellator and ONE Championship, and outspoken personality, Ben Askren’s career took a surprising turn during his UFC run and later with his high-profile boxing match against Jake Paul.
This article breaks down what happened to Ben Askren, from his early MMA days to the shocking Jorge Masvidal knockout, the highly-publicized Jake Paul fight, injuries, retirement, and what he’s doing now.
Who is Ben Askren?
Ben Askren is a former American mixed martial artist and Olympic wrestler. He made a name for himself as one of the best grapplers in MMA history, holding undefeated records in Bellator MMA and ONE Championship. His wrestling-heavy style and relentless pace earned him the nickname "Funky."
Askren’s reputation brought him to the UFC, where fans were eager to see how he would fare against the best fighters in the world.
What Happened to Ben Askren in the UFC?
Askren joined the UFC in late 2018 in a trade deal with ONE Championship. His debut fight at UFC 235 in March 2019 saw him defeat Robbie Lawler via submission, though the victory was controversial due to a referee stoppage.
However, things quickly took a turn. In July 2019, Ben Askren suffered one of the most shocking knockouts in UFC history at UFC 239, losing to Jorge Masvidal just 5 seconds into the fight via a flying knee. The loss was devastating to Askren’s confidence and career momentum.
In October 2019, Askren faced Demian Maia and lost via submission. After back-to-back defeats, questions about what happened to Ben Askren began surfacing.
Injuries and Retirement
In November 2019, Ben Askren officially announced his retirement from MMA, citing persistent hip injuries that affected his ability to train and perform. He underwent hip replacement surgery, which made a professional comeback impossible.
Askren admitted that his body could no longer handle the grind of elite-level fighting, which is a major reason behind what happened to Ben Askren’s career.
The Jake Paul Fight – What Happened to Ben Askren in Boxing?
In April 2021, Ben Askren returned to combat sports for a celebrity boxing match against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Despite his wrestling background, Askren lacked professional-level boxing skills.
The fight ended in the first round when Jake Paul knocked out Ben Askren, adding another viral moment to Askren’s career. Fans were shocked and disappointed, with many questioning why Askren accepted the fight.
The Ben Askren vs Jake Paul fight was highly publicized and financially rewarding for Askren, but it did little to help his competitive legacy.
Why Did Ben Askren Retire from MMA?
The primary reason behind what happened to Ben Askren and his MMA retirement was his chronic hip injuries. Even during his UFC tenure, Askren admitted he wasn’t able to train at the same intensity as he did during his Bellator and ONE Championship days.
Combined with tough losses to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia, Askren decided to step away from fighting to focus on his health and family.
Ben Askren’s Career Achievements
✅Bellator Welterweight Champion (4 title defenses)
✅ONE Championship Welterweight Champion (3 title defenses)
✅Former Olympic Wrestler (2008)
✅NCAA Wrestling Champion (2006, 2007)
✅Askren retired with an impressive MMA record of 19 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest.What is Ben Askren Doing Now?
After retiring from MMA, Ben Askren focused on his family, podcasting, and coaching young wrestlers. He co-hosts the popular Funky & FRB Show and frequently appears on sports podcasts to discuss MMA, wrestling, and boxing.
Askren is also active on social media, sharing insights on UFC fights and wrestling techniques. Despite the setbacks, he remains a respected voice in the combat sports community.
FAQs About What Happened to Ben Askren
1. Why did Ben Askren retire from MMA?
Ben Askren retired in 2019 due to chronic hip injuries that required hip replacement surgery, making it impossible to compete at the highest level.
2. What happened to Ben Askren in the Jorge Masvidal fight?
At UFC 239 in July 2019, Ben Askren was knocked out by a flying knee from Jorge Masvidal in just 5 seconds—the fastest knockout in UFC history.
3. Did Ben Askren fight Jake Paul?
Yes, Ben Askren fought Jake Paul in April 2021 in a boxing match and was knocked out in the first round.
4. What is Ben Askren doing now?
Askren is involved in coaching wrestling, podcasting, and family life. He also makes regular appearances on sports podcasts.
5. What is Ben Askren’s record?
Ben Askren retired with a professional MMA record of 19-2-1.
Conclusion
What happened to Ben Askren? His career went from being one of MMA’s most dominant champions to experiencing shocking defeats in the UFC and boxing. Persistent injuries, especially his hip problems, forced him to retire earlier than expected.
Despite his short UFC run and the Jake Paul knockout, Ben Askren’s legacy as a world-class wrestler and MMA champion remains intact. Today, he is thriving as a coach, podcaster, and commentator, continuing to contribute to the combat sports world.
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